“Oliver” Auckland Musical Triumph!

Oliver 1
Although the musical “Oliver” has finally come to an end it will be forever captured in the heart of every performer, director, and theatre goer in Auckland. This by far was one of the most memorable Sky City Theatre events and can only be described as a Musical Triumph!
Sam and all the boys who played in the cast made memories and gained invaluable experience working with great directors, producers, and of course the fantastic Mark Hadlow! The best thing about this show was the fact that it didn’t Pick a Pocket or Two while at the same time made you Consider Yourself At Home! It was as if it was saying; “I’d do Anything For You”.

I personally was privileged to see this wonderful musical production in the States, and while different actors, producers and directors were involved, it made an everlasting impression on me.  I know that it will stay in my heart for a long time and that the voices of so many wonderfully talented treble singers will ring in my ears for many years to come!
The last night of the show was met with many a tearful eye from each of the cast.  There is just something to be said about the emotions that erupt within the heart of every actor when you know this is the last night.  New friendships that were made during this time end far too soon.  They wonder, “Will we ever meet them again or work with them in another production”?  “Will this be the last time I ever see this co-actor”?  And even though the body is tired and seeking rest there is a resounding cry that goes up by each performer “I wish this would never end!”
Yes “Oliver” has come to an end at the theatre but these are the memories that will keep it living on forever.  And I am so happy that I have captured them here for you to return to whenever your lonely for just one more,

Play it again Sam” !

Where er er er er is Sam Verlinden?

Sam Oliver
Sam Verlinden is currently performing in Lionel Bart’s Magical Musical “Oliver” staged in The SkyCity Theatre in Auckland. Opening night was a hit and each night continues to get better.  Sam is magical in his performance as one of the boys in Fagin’s gang of thieves.
The orchestra is wonderful and complements each song with just the right amount of volume so as not to take away from the singers.  Watch below as Sam performs with the other boys the opening song “Food Glorious Food”.

Oliver Backstage

Sam gives a thumbs up as he sits with Finn McLachlan while they wait for thier next practice session during rehersals last week.

Findlay McLachlan is nine years old and attends Kohia Terrace Shcool, in Epsom where he is an enthusiastic performer in the annual school speech competition and the only boy in the school choir. Fin’s stage debut came at age five in the Senior College production of “Tommy” (in which Fin played 5 year old Tommy witnessing the murder of his mother’s boyfriend). Subsequent to that, during a year in the UK he attended performance classes “Center Stage” under the direction of Julie Dawn Cole, where he sang in, LES MISERABLES.

Oliver on stageSam is shown sitting down in front facing upstage in this scene with old Fagin (Mark Hadlow) on the left.

See complete review and two wonderful video clips from the show!